The senate has passed a resolution to hold a two-day national security summit to discuss solutions to the rising insecurity in the country.
This followed a motion sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south, at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday.
Championing the debate, Ibrahim stated that the “high level” of global insecurity is driven by events in Russia and Ukraine and compounded by tensions between the global north and global south.
He noted that these issues have compounded food insecurity and affected the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Ibrahim further said that the present tariff war in America and the growing emphasis on balance of power in global affairs have also contributed to a new world order.
“This new order reflects in immigration policies, visa cancellations by new regimes, and countries raising funds by selling citizenship — all of which fuel economic conflict and undermine globalisation pursued over the last sixty years,” he said.
He added that Nigeria must clarify its strategic engagement in international affairs, noting that the senate has a role in advising the executive to maximise national interest.
“The next world war may not even require the fanfare of militarism. The incredible growing economic war is gaining ground with destructive innovation in security globally.”
Ibrahim said insecurity has become “pervasive”, affecting both urban and rural areas where banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes persist.
“Most military strategies and languages are no longer exclusive to the military,” he said.
“There is a need for alternative language in military engagement as well as enhanced funding to advance the professional practices and respected tradition of the future military.”
Mohammed Dandutse, senator representing Katsina south, seconded the motion and stated that the lack of intelligence sharing among security agencies was a major setback.
“Nigeria is blessed, we have no other country except Nigeria. We have to face these criminals squarely. No country succeeds except with peace and security,” he said.
“The security agencies are given funding, so there is a need for the judicious spending of these resources.”
But Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, and Adamu Aliero, senator representing Kebbi central, posited that a security summit may not be the solution.
Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west, and Abba Moro, the senate minority leader, supported the motion.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote and a majority of senators voted in favour of the summit.
Akpabio, however, said the summit should last for two days instead of the three days proposed by Ibrahim.
The summit will comprise delegates from all levels of government, as well as traditional institutions.
